Quantifying nanoscale biochemical heterogeneity in human epithelial cancer cells using combined AFM and PTIR absorption nanoimaging

Subcellular chemical heterogeneity plays a key role in cell organization and function. However the biomechanics underlying the structure‐function relationship is governed by cell substructures which are poorly resolved using conventional chemical imaging methods. To date, advances in sub‐diffraction limited infrared (IR) nanoscopy have permitted intracellular chemical mapping. In this work we report how image analysis applied to a combination of IR absorption nanoimaging and topographic data permits quantification of chemical complexity at the nanoscale, enabling the analysis of biochemical heterogeneity in mammalian cancer cells on the scale of subcellular features. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Modeling the Past and Current Distribution and Habitat Suitability for Ablepharus grayanus and A. pannonicus(Sauria: Scincidae)

Study of the climate variability in the past and present, and correlating those with changes in the distribution range of species has attracted considerable research interest. The genus Ablepharus consists of 10 recognized species, of which A. bivittatus, A. grayanus and A. pannonicus are documented from Iran. In the present study, we modeled with Max Ent the potential distribution areas and determined the suitable habitats in past(mid-Holocene [MH], and the Last Interglacial [LIG]) and their current distribution for two species of snake-eyed skinks(A. grayanus and A. pannonicus) separately. Models of the species indicated good fit by the average high area under the curve(AUC) values(A. grayanus= 0.929 ± 0.087 and A. pannonicus = 0.979 ± 0.007). Precipitation of the driest quarter of the year, mean temperature of the coldest quarter of the year, and precipitation of the driest month variables made important contributions to A. grayanus. Two important climate variables contributed importantly to A. pannonicus; temperature seasonality, and mean temperature of the wettest quarter of the year, and one topographic variable, slope. We conclude that these variables form a natural barrier for species dispersal. The MH and the LGM models indicated a larger suitable area than the current distribution.     

Cancer stem cells: A review from origin to therapeutic implications

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), also known as tumor-initiating cells (TICs), are elucidated as cells that can perpetuate themselves via autorestoration. These cells are highly resistant to current therapeutic approaches and are the main reason for cancer recurrence. Radiotherapy has made a lot of contributions to cancer treatment. However, despite continuous achievements, therapy resistance and tumor recurrence are still prevalent in most patients. This resistance might be partly related to the existence of CSCs. In the present study, recent advances in the investigation of different biological properties of CSCs, such as their origin, markers, characteristics, and targeting have been reviewed. We have also focused our discussion on radioresistance and adaptive responses of CSCs and their related extrinsic and intrinsic influential factors. In summary, we suggest CSCs as the prime therapeutic target for cancer treatment.     

Trichoderma brevicompactum sp. nov

Trichoderma brevicompactum, a new species, was isolated from soil or tree bark in North, Central and South America, including the Caribbean Islands, and southwestern and southeastern Asia. Morphological and physiological characters, the internal transcribed spacer regions of the rDNA cluster (ITS1-5.8SrDNA-ITS2) and partial sequences of translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) are described. Trichoderma brevicompactum is characterized by a pachybasium-type morphology, morphologically resembling other small-spored species referable to Trichoderma section Pachybasium but with essentially subglobose conidia. It is most closely related phylogenetically to Hypocrea lutea, from which it differs in morphological and physiological characters.     

A new species of frog-eyed gecko,genus Teratoscincus Strauch, 1863 (Squamata: Sphaerodactylidae), from southeastern Iran

Herein we describe a new species of Teratoscincus Strauch, 1863 from remote desert areas of the Sistan and Baluchistan Province in southeastern Iran. Based on morphological characters, this species, Teratoscincus sistanense sp. n., has a close relationship with T. microlepis and is distinct from all other members of its genus by the number of small scales around the midbody. We provide information about the ecology, biology and conservation of this new species. A comparison with the other three Iranian species of Teratoscincus and an updated key to this genus in Iran are presented.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:77F54322-6CCA-46F1-A74B-B8A75E1F1F8D     

The Role of Historical Persian Gardens on the Health Status of Contemporary Urban Residents

The inherent economic and social challenges in major cities have been known to foster stress among the urban population. Frequent stress over long periods may well have serious damaging outcomes, resulting in ailments such as burnout syndrome, sleeplessness and exhaustion, depression, feelings of panic, among others. Therefore, providing access to resources that may enable people to cope with the stress of urban life has become a crucial phenomenon in the twentieth century. Increasing empirical evidence indicates that the presence of natural areas can contribute to enhancing the quality of life in many ways. This study examines two historical Persian gardens from the residents’ perspective in well-known, historic cities of Iran: Isfahan and Kerman. The data were collected through questionnaires (n = 252), semi-structured interviews (n = 20), and visual observation techniques. The findings demonstrate that nature, diversity and the gardens’ historical background, and coherence motivate the residents’ frequent visits to the gardens, which help to address their social, psychological, and physical needs. In addition, the residents’ involvements and the variety of experiences that occur in the gardens lead to the creation of deeper meanings and values associated with the gardens. Subsequently, these construct functional and emotional attachment that evokes a sense of place and identity and may contribute to society’s health and well-being.     

Experimental bone defect healing with xenogenic demineralized bone matrix and bovine fetal growth plate as a new xenograft: radiological, histopathological and biomechanical evaluation

The following study was designed to evaluate xenogenic bovine demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and new xenograft (Bovine fetal growth plate) effects on bone healing process. Twenty male White New Zealand rabbits were used in this study. In group I (n = 10) the defect was filled by xenogenic DBM and in group II (n = 10) the defect was filled by a segment of bovine fetal growth plate and was fixed by cercelage wire. Radiological, histopathological, and biomechanical evaluations were performed blindly and results scored and analyzed statistically. Statistical tests did not support significant differences between two groups radiographically (P > 0.05). There was a significant difference for union at the 28nd postoperative radiologically (P < 0.05). Xenograft was superior to DBM group at the 28th postoperative day for radiological union (P < 0.03). Histopathological and biomechanical evaluation revealed no significant differences between two groups. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that satisfactory healing occurred in rabbit radius defect filled with xenogenic bovine DBM and xenogenic bovine fetal growth plate. Complications were not identified and healing was faster in two grafting groups.